This week saw legislators return from a mini-break to discuss and vote on bills from opposite chambers. Bills that did not pass out of their original chamber are essentially done for the session (though bills that were not explicitly voted down can still be amended into other bills). The process from the first half of the session repeats itself. Bills are heard in committee, opened up for amendments on 2nd reading, and voted up or down on 3rd reading. If a bill differs from how it passed in the original chamber, it will often go to a conference committee where representatives from each chamber will work out a compromise bill for a final vote. Bills that are passed are then sent to the Governor to either sign or veto. Both chambers are statutorily obligated to end this session no later than April 14th, though leaders have suggested they'd like to end a week earlier. The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce has been tracking numerous bills. Two bills that the Chamber submitted testimony for have passed their original chambers and are currently being debated. SB 52 prohibits the use of dedicated lanes for public transportation projects. Given the impact this bill could have on any potential transit projects in Bloomington (particularly the East-West corridor), the Chamber spoke in opposition to this bill. Transit is essential to connecting people to homes, work, and amenities. You can read our testimony below. The Chamber also submitted testimony in support of Rep. Dave Hall's HB 1108. This bill would ease slope restrictions for development from 15% to 25% while making protections for watershed areas. Given the affordable housing crisis that Monroe County is facing, the Chamber supports this legislation. Easing development restrictions will increase housing supply and bring much-needed relief to our community. You can read our testimony below. To stay up-to-date on legislative happenings, you can always visit iga.in.gov/ ![]()
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